Advances in Electrospun Nanofibers: Versatile Materials and Diverse Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Electrospining has emerged as a versatile and transformative technique for the fabrication of nanofiber materials, which have been shown to be promising in applications across various biomedical domains. Cutting-edge research in electrospinning technology is centered on enhancing versatility, efficiency, and functionality of electrospun nanofibers through several key facets. These include the development of advanced materials, with ongoing exploration into novel polymer systems spanning synthetic polymers, natural polymers, and polymer blends to broaden the spectrum of achievable properties and functions. Additionally, there is significant emphasis on controlling fiber size, morphology, and alignment. Surface functionalization with bioactive molecules, drugs, or targeting ligands enhances specific functionalities like antimicrobial properties, cell adhesion, or targeted drug delivery. Furthermore, researchers are delving into the creation of multifunctional hybrid structures by integrating electrospinning with other fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, microfluidics, or layer-by-layer assembly, enabling customized properties and functionalities. Lastly, there is a strong fucus on biomedical applications, leveraging electrospun nanofibers for tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, and biosensing, aiming to develop biocompatible and bioresorbable scaffolds with controlled structural and bioactive cues to promote tissue regeneration and repair.

However, several significant questions remain unanswered. For instance, can electrospun nanofibers sustainably deliver immunomodulating compounds topically to enhance human innate immunity? Is it possible to develop a robust approach for fabricating 3D nanofiber scaffolds with precise shapes and controlled characteristics such as fiber alignment, porosity, and pore size? Can these scaffolds be implanted into the body using minimal invasive surgery considering their current requirement for invasive surgical implantation? Additionally, can electrospun nanofibers be processed into microspheres or microcarriers for injectable therapy, and how effectively can they integrate with other technologies?

Over the past decade, our laboratory has focused on addressing these questions. In this Account, we present an overview of recent developments of electrospun nanofiber materials, emphasizing their modifications, unique structures, integration with other technologies, and diverse biomedical applications. We begin by outlining and comparing three methods for modifying electrospun nanofibers, laying the groundwork for selecting the most appropriate technique. Subsequently, we summarize methods for engineering novel forms of electrospun nanofiber materials. Further, we explore the integration of electrospun nanofibers with other technologies, such as microfluidic chips, microneedles, and electrostatic flocking. Following this, we highlight several notable biomedical applications, including infection control, hemostasis, tissue regeneration, and biological sample collection. Finally, we assess the future possibilities of electrospun nanofiber materials. The remarkable versatility demonstrated by electrospun nanofibers, as evidenced in this Account, opens up a myriad of possibilities in materials science, biomedicine, and beyond. By leveraging their potential for modification, 3D structuring, integration with other technologies, and various applications, electrospun nanofibers continue to advance our capabilities in tackling critical biomedical challenges and fostering innovative solutions.